BROADWATERS PARKING BATTLEGROUND

1.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Aug 2009

I attended the Broadwaters, St Georges, St Oswalds and Horsefair Partners meeting a few weeks ago and fell into discussion with some of the local residents about the parking problems in Broadwaters when the Rose Theatre is open.

On a few occasions now, I've heard of people clogging up Broadwaters Drive, blocking driveways, churning up the grass in the park and becoming aggressive with residents. According to the residents, they've asked the theatre management to discuss the matter with them but have been given the brush-off. Also, they have offered to build a rail along the edge of the park to prevent cars driving onto the grass but were refused permission by the council.

I used to be a member of the Young Nonentities theatre group and greatly appreciate the value of Kidderminster's remaining theatre but perhaps its time for a little sensible discussion here.

A number of options spring to mind.

One councillor has offered to put some of his annual fund to pay for helping install the rail and some sensible thinking from the council should make it possible for locals to build it.

The theatre could employ parking stewards to prevent irresponsible parking from customers, including giving information about where people can park sensibly.

The landlords of the small shopping parade by the roundabout could offer the land behind for parking purposes - it lies empty at nights.

The council could provide a barrier on Broadwaters Drive that would only be closed during theatre events with keys or a code for all residents.

What we do not need is war breaking out between residents and theatre-goers.

Neville Farmer

Parliamentary Spokesman,